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Power and the Land

Name: Power and the Land
Director: Joris Ivens
Released: 1940
Duration: 38 min

Representation Score

3.7/10

Limited

1940

Director

Joris Ivens

Runtime

38 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Joris Ivens uses social realism to critique individualist capitalist farming models. The film presents a powerful ideological subversion of Western economic hierarchies by celebrating collective ability to act and state-driven mechanization. While the work excels in its cultural and political messaging, it lacks representation in several demographic categories. The focus remains narrow, prioritizing the industrial transition over individual identity or diverse social groups. Ultimately, the film is a specialized piece of political cinema. It trades traditional demographic breadth for a deep, focused exploration of class struggle and the evolution of the agrarian order.

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Category Breakdown

Does Power and the Land have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships. The focus is on the socio-economic aspects and collective labor.

How does Power and the Land portray gender?

Fair

Women are shown as active participants in the mechanization of the state, challenging traditional roles. Men are often depicted as operators of heavy machinery.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Power and the Land?

Fair

The cast reflects the ethnic diversity of the Soviet peasantry, avoiding whitewashing. The narrative emphasizes a unified working-class identity.

How does Power and the Land represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film celebrates state-managed collectives and promotes a secular worldview. It downplays religious institutions in favor of industrial progress and anti-capitalist ideas.

Does Power and the Land include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no depiction of characters with visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative does not include disability issues.

Present on Screen

Strong cultural representation through the deconstruction of Western capitalist structures.
Effective portrayal of women as active participants in industrial and agricultural labor.
Avoids whitewashing by reflecting the local peasantry.

Limited or Absent

Complete absence of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
No depiction of individuals with visible or invisible disabilities.
Limited focus on multi-layered ethnic identities in favor of a singular working-class narrative.

Official Synopsis

A documentary showing the struggle to bring electricity to rural areas of the United States.

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